2025 ACJV update # 8
Introducing our new families and youth staff member.
We are delighted to welcome our new staff member Raylene to the parish. Raylene is working up to 12 hours per week for our church. She is supporting, encouraging and equipping our younger people and their families. Raylene is leading our Sunday morning kids programme. This term she will also lead couple of family fun nights. Our world-famous Disco is booked in for Friday August 22.
We are so pleased that we have managed to recruit such a joy-filled, faithful, competent person to serve our children and families. Here’s a question-and-answer introduction to Raylene:
“What do you like about the Awatere region?"
What I like about the Awatere is the sense of community and the wonderful people who live there and steward its sweeping landscape. At tea after church, I love the riotous laughter coming from the kitchen doors, the sound of children playing 2 vs 2 basketball, the uplifting music playing through the sound system, and the squeals of high-spirited children who are playing tag and climbing trees. There’s a real buzz as people make genuine connections with others. The cups of tea themselves are washed down by plates of delicious homemade biscuits, cakes and brownies which are made with love, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know our Christian brothers who work in the vineyards. I look forward to exploring more of this beautiful place and the meeting more of the people who live here.
“What led you to feel called to work with youth and families in a Christian ministry setting?”
God opened the doors for me to serve the youth and families in the Awatere. It is my privilege to walk alongside tamariki and whaanau as they navigate their lives and grow in their Christian journey.
“What’s one story or moment in your ministry that has deeply impacted your faith or strengthened your calling?”
It’s hard to point to just one story, as I’ve seen God’s handiwork in many moments throughout my ministry. But if there’s one testimony truly worth telling, it’s of Jesus’ overwhelming and powerful redeeming love.
How has serving in the Awatere shaped your personal faith journey?
God led me to serve Him and the beautiful people of the Awatere, and through this journey, He continues to shape my life and faith—giving me a deeper sense of purpose and belonging through whakawhanaungatanga (building meaningful relationships). Born in Pōneke (Wellington) and raised in the vibrant, multicultural city of Porirua, I am of Samoan descent and the eldest of five siblings. In 2004, after moving to Auckland, I received Christ through the Apostolic church. From that moment, I committed myself to serving in the children’s ministry— faithfully dedicating 19 years to His service. Today, I continue my ministry in the Awatere region under the dynamic leadership of John and Sara Phillips. I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor of Teaching, working as a kaiaawhina at Blenheim School, and facilitating a Pasifika leadership and educational programme for Pasifika children and youth in Marlborough. After I finish my training, I hope to get a job teaching and continue to speak into the hearts of local children.